Ayurvedic Treatment For Celiac Disease

Disorders Cure

oi-Devika Bandyopadhya

By Devika Bandyopadhya

Friday, April 19, 2019, 15:17

Also known as celiac sprue, celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive disorder. A person with celiac disease is allergic to foods containing gluten (hence also known as gluten-sensitive enteropathy) ^[1] . Gluten is a form of protein that is found in grains. However, people with celiac disease mostly react to the gluten that is present in barley, rye and wheat.

Although the cause of a person reacting to gluten intake is not specifically known, it is usually attributed to the body's immune system reacting to the gluten present in the person's diet leading to the damage of the villus in the intestine ^[2] . The top foods that contain gluten are semolina, pasta, oats, bread, noodles, pizza, biscuits and pastries.

Although the rate of this disease was quite low in India in the past, it has however been observed that lately, the rate is doubling every 20 years. This disease is more prevalent in North India (where the staple food is wheat) than in South India ^[3] .

Read on to know more about this disease, its symptoms and how an Ayurvedic treatment approach can help you deal with this autoimmune ailment.

What Is Celiac Disease?

Being a chronic digestive disorder, celiac disease is said to cause digestive issues due to damage to the lining of the small intestine. When a person is suffering from celiac disease, his or her immune system turns extremely weak causing the disease-fighting white blood cells to attack its own tissue ^[4] . Whenever there is gluten ingestion, it triggers the white blood cells to attack the lining of the small intestine. This ailment results in malabsorption of nutrients and minerals.

When an immunological reaction to gluten occurs, the inner lining of the small intestine gets damaged. In children, this disease can lead to stunted growth and short stature as an adult ^[5] . Many herbal remedy experts believe that as this ailment is a multi-symptom disorder. Ayurvedic supplements can be used to get relief from the various symptoms in a natural manner.

Symptoms Of Celiac Disease ^[6]

• Weight loss
• Diarrhoea
• Fatigue
• Skin rashes
• Abdominal pain
• Stomach bloating
• Decreased absorption leading to weak bones and anaemia
• Tingling sensation in the hands and legs

Ayurvedic Perspective Of Celiac Disease

In terms of Ayurveda, celiac disease indicates an imbalance of certain body energies that result in the immunity and digestive system turning extremely weak ^[7] . For treating celiac disease, Ayurveda believes in using herbs that are immunomodulators ^[8] . These aim towards balancing the immune system and also reviving the villi of intestines. Ayurvedic experts say that when one begins their treatment, the initial stages would require the person to completely abstain from gluten products. However, gradually with proper treatment, one can add gluten into their diet.

Ayurvedic treatment for celiac disease is aimed at correcting the abnormal immune system. Proper detoxification of the body also helps in getting rid of several diseases. Ayurveda categorizes celiac disease under Grahani. This is because it is believed to have been caused due to an abnormality in the Agni (digestive power) of the human body ^[9] . Here, Grahani is the container whereas Agni is the content. If either of this is disturbed, the other is bound to be disturbed as well.

When Agni is strong, the villi are strong and healthy. They maintain complete coordination and are able to perform the actions of digestion, absorption and assimilation perfectly. In the case of imbalance in the Agni, the functioning of the villi are affected causing either gluten enteropathy or non-tropical celiac sprue. Gluten being heavy, sticky, oily and dull in nature ^[10] results in low Agni, which eventually leads to the production of Ama.

Ayurvedic experts recommend the following for people suffering from the celiac disease ^[11] :

• Avoid heavy, oily foods and foods containing gluten.
• Regularly drink freshly prepared buttermilk spiced with ginger, cumin and curry leaves. This improves Agni and enhances absorption.
• Eat foods that are light and easily digestible such as green gram soups, rice porridge, etc. As you find that your digestive capacity is increasing, you can slowly start introducing solid foods.
• Drink water boiled with coriander seeds, cumin and ginger powder.
• Eat pomegranate and bael fruit regularly.

• Ayurvedic Treatment For Celiac Disease

The following lists some of the best Ayurvedic herbs that can treat the problem of gluten intolerance in quite an effective manner.

• Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa)

Kutki is an Ayurvedic herb that finds use in the treatment of several medical problems. This herb possesses hepatoprotective properties and hence can turn out to be quite useful in improving the condition of the liver ^[12] . Untreated celiac disease can cause serious liver issues such as fatty liver disease and severe liver failure. It is important that patients suffering from celiac are cared for and treated for their liver too.

Kutki can be highly beneficial in this aspect. Studies have revealed that the rhizome of this plant has immense antibiotic properties. Kutki is considered as one of the major components of arogyavardhini ^[13] (an effective Ayurvedic preparation especially for liver illnesses).

• Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia)

Giloy is highly effective in strengthening the response of the immune system, thus helping it fight against infections. This Ayurvedic herb helps in making the body resistant to different types of infections ^[14] . It is very important that the immunity of the patient suffering from celiac disease is strengthened. Research data reveal that this magical herb had shown inhibition of infections for people administered with different doses of this herb.

• Vaividang (Embelia ribes)

Vaividang is an Ayurvedic herb that improves the way your immune system responses when fighting against foreign particles. This herb works wonderfully in improving the overall efficiency of digestion. When a person suffers from celiac disease, his or her overall digestive system becomes weak resulting in the body failing to absorb the nutrients from the food ^[15] . Using Vaividang improves the ease with which the nutrients are absorbed.

• Dry ginger

Dry ginger has been widely used for the treatment of various kinds of medical ailments. This spice is wonderful when aiding better food digestion. It also helps in good absorption of different nutrients ^[16] . People who have difficulty digesting gluten will be able to make the best use of this herb.

Lifestyle Changes And Remedies For Celiac Disease

Incorporate the following lifestyle changes and remedies to prevent celiac disease from ruining your life:

1. Gluten-free diet

The most obvious remedy is eliminating anything that contains gluten (for instance, wheat products). It can get difficult to stay away from all gluten-containing products and hence you need to be aware of the contents of what you eat ^[17] . This is so because almost all grain and bread products contain gluten, including ice cream, ketchup, desserts, soy sauce, baked goods, etc.

The best way to ensure that you stay away from gluten products is to always check labels on all your food items followed by exploring gluten-free brands. Always ask at restaurants for a gluten-free menu. A general rule of thumb is to indulge in foods like fruits, meat, poultry and vegetables and to stay away from processed or unnatural foods.

2. Papain supplements

Papain supplements ^[18] are capable of stimulating enzymes in the small intestine that can determine the presence of gluten, in turn, reducing the immune system response. These supplements are especially beneficial for those who do not wish to drastically bring their gluten intake under check through a complete change in diet. However, it is not guaranteed that these supplements could completely eliminate the effects of celiac disease.

3. Yoghurt

Yoghurt can stimulate beneficial bacteria and hence promote the healing of the digestive tract ^[19] . Doctors generally ask patients suffering from celiac disease to increase their intake of yoghurt. Consumption of yoghurt is all the more important for people who have been unaware that they are suffering from this ailment for long.

4. Fish oil

Intake of fish oil ensures that your intestines do not become inflamed ^[20] . Fish oil acts as a coating for the intestinal lining. This is considered good as it can prevent a flare-up of celiac symptoms in case one consumes gluten accidentally.

5. Vitamins and minerals

If you have been put on any kind of supplements (such as iron, calcium, vitamin D, K, B12, zinc, etc.), then ensure that they are gluten-free.

6. Horsetail tea

Horsetail tea is known for its ability to reduce the inflammation of the digestive tract and the intestines. It can also boost the strength of the digestive system ^[21] . This way the system is less sensitive to gluten.

7. Herbal treatment

Goldenseal and olive leaf extracts can regulate and protect the immune system and hence they are widely used in the treatment of celiac disease ^[22] . Herbal remedies are known to reduce the autoimmune effects on the small intestine. Chamomile is another great herb that aids the functioning of the digestive system.